Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus

Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Definition

The extensor carpi radialis longus is the long muscle located on the radial side of the arm that helps straighten the wrist. It belongs to the radial cluster of the forearm extensors.

It is also known by other names, such as Musculus extensor carpi radialis longus (Latin) or Muscle long extenseur radial du carpe (French).

Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Muscle Location

The muscle originates from the distal section of the humerus’ lateral supracondylar ridge, and the lateral epicondyle through the common extensor tendon. It has insertion at the posterior surface of the 2nd metacarpal bone base.

Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Innervation

It is supplied by the radial nerves C7 and C6. The muscle, from proximal to distal, gets blood from the following arteries:

Posterior interosseous artery

Recurrent interosseous artery

Radial recurrent artery

Radial collateral artery

Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Function

The muscle is involved in abduction or radial deviation of the wrist in the direction of the radius or extending the wrist (dorsal flexion). It also impacts flexion in the elbow joint. This is one of the 5 primary muscles that control wrist movements. It allows easy manipulation of the wrist, so that the hand can be moved towards the thumb. Both extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis muscles are involved in abducting and extending hand at the wrist joint.

Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Pain

The extensor carpi radialis longus muscle serves as a wrist extensor. When it is too tight, the muscle can cause elbow pain. Tennis elbow pain happens to be a common sign, which is experienced in case there are trigger points in the muscle, which can happen due to too much muscle tension.​If the muscle contains trigger points or tender points or is too tight, there can be aches at the lateral side of the elbow. It can resemble tennis elbow pain in this way. People can also suffer pain down to the backside of the hand or the forearm.

A painful and weak grip is another common sign, causing patients to drop even light objects – such as a glass of water. This is common after extensor carpi radialis longus injury.

These problems can be cured with accurate self-massage. Much like any other forearm extensor muscle, the extensor carpi radialis longus can be made stronger by an exercise that can resist its extension. One can use a wrist roller and use dumbbells to reverse wrist curls.

Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Muscle Pictures

Know about the shape and structure of the muscle from the following extensor carpi radialis longus images and diagrams.